Academic Focus:
Fundamentals of Tropical Biology, Field Research in Tropical Biology, Environmental Science and the Policy of the Tropics, and Spanish Language and Latin American Culture.

This program is open to all majors, but may be particularly suitable to students with academic interests in the majors listed above.

Approximate Dates:
Fall: late August to mid December
Spring: late January to early May

Eligibility Requirements:
Minimum 3.0 GPA; good academic standing.

Students must have completed two semesters of college-level Biology prior to the study abroad term. OTS recommends that students also complete two semesters (or equivalent) of college-level Spanish. Students who have not completed the two semesters of Spanish can still apply if they choose to participate in an intensive language program prior to the program.

Important Note: Students are accepted on a rolling admissions basis by OTS/Duke University. Students are highly encouraged to submit their applications to Emory College Study Abroad early.

Program Information:
This program will provide a strong understanding of tropical ecology, natural resource management, and conservation. It employs a combination of field and classroom instruction, hands-on research, and cultural exchange. You will learn about conservation in the tropics through a series of field-based case studies conducted alongside ecologists and local stakeholders. You will participate in an intensive Spanish course and experience a homestay. At each site, the program draws on the knowledge and experiences of local farmers, bioreserve owners, and community groups to provide a down-to-earth and personal perspective on conservation policies and practices.

Duke OTS Costa Rica is a labor intensive program--students have a uniquely structured experience with many activities, lectures and day visits. Past site visits include San Pedro, Monteverde, Bocas del Toro in Panama and La Selva Biological Station.

Courses:
Students enroll in four core courses and earn 16 credits hours for the semester:

Fundamentals of Tropical Biology
Field Research in Tropical Biology
Environmental Science and Policy in the Tropics
Culture and Language in Costa Rica

Emory College Study Abroad maintains a list of blanket approved courses. This list specifies how courses taken abroad will transfer back to Emory. PLEASE NOTE: Students may obtain additional approvals for courses that are not currently on this blanket approved list: Blanket Approval List.

Living Arrangements:
Students live with host families during a portion of the program. When the program travels to the various field stations, students live with other students in accommodations provided by OTS. Fieldwork includes living closely with your cohort of 15-25 students and 2-5 professors on site. This environment creates an environment where students have close bonds and life-long friendships.

Costs:
A full description of the program costs and billing procedures is described in the budget sheets. Please click here for Budget Sheets. FallSpring

Financial Aid/Scholarships:
Students are eligible to carry existing financial aid and scholarships on Emory-approved study abroad programs. Students may also be eligible to apply for the following scholarship: Benjamin Gilman Scholarship, Fund for Education Abroad, Diversity Abroad (scholarships for under-represented students, and NSEP Boren Scholarship. Duke OTS also makes scholarship applications available to students upon their acceptance to their program so, apply early!For more information, please click here.